Dimitar Berbatov set to leave Manchester United in the summer

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the club’s record signing Dimitar Berbatov is likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Dimitar Berbatov is likely to leave Old Trafford this summer (Pic: Getty)

The Bulgarian striker, who United paid Â£30.75million for in 2008, has struggled for first-team football this season after being left out of Fergusonâs side for the Champions League final against Barcelona at the end of the last campaign.

Speaking about Berbatovâs future ahead of Unitedâs last-16 Europa League second leg with Athletic Bilbao, Ferguson admitted the 31-year-old may look to leave the club in the summer.

âDimitar could play tomorrow [in Bilbao] but I have good options with front players,â Sir Alex said.

âHis contract situation is we will be taking up the option on the contract but, having had chats with him, he wants to get first-team football and we need to consider that at the end of the season.

âAt the moment, he remains at United. But I’d listen to what he says. I think he’s concerned he isn’t getting enough first-team football.

âIt’s difficult for me to guarantee that. At 31, you can understand he wants that. It may lead to him looking elsewhere.â

Berbatovâs contract is set to expire in the summer, with reports United are aiming to extend the deal for another year to allow the club to receive a fee for the striker.